Fashion in Film: Sixteen Candles

Oh, is there anything more horrible than the turmoil of young unrequited love? If you ask Samantha Baker, most definitely not. Throw on top of that an entire family that’s forgotten your birthday — your sweet sixteenth — and you just might have the worst day ever. However, if you’re so inclined to put a positive spin on it, you’ll find one of the best movies of the 1980s, Sixteen Candles. This Valentine’s Day, we look back on the cult classic’s fashion and fabulousness. No plus-one required.

What should be the greatest day of her life quickly sours when Sam, played by the incomparable Molly Ringwald, realizes her family has forgotten her birthday. As if it wasn’t bad enough that her sister’s impending wedding stole her spotlight, she must balance a major crush on senior heartthrob Jake Ryan while fighting off the unwanted attention of Farmer Ted, the annoying freshman who refuses to leave her alone.

While there are other ’80s movies out there that make fiercer fashion statements, Sixteen Candles is notable for its cross-section of teens at their most awkward; each one trying to figure out who they are and how they can best express themselves in a myriad of ways. How they choose to do so through their fashion choices evokes memories of those past ensembles we ourselves aren’t so proud of, but look back on sentimentally and with thanks (Was I the only one who rocked a skort?).

With its charming characters and nostalgic plot, Sixteen Candles is a perfect ’80s guilty pleasure, whether it’s for a V-day, b-day, or everyday movie night.

What high school movie do you relate to best? Bonus points if it stars Molly Ringwald!

About Sarah

Who would have thought the little girl in the oversized Goofy T-shirt would grow up to work in fashion? Definitely not young Sarah; she was too busy singing her heart out to Whitney Houston. Today, her eclectic fashion tastes lean toward purses large enough to stash her latest read, way too high of a heel, and the occasional vintage baseball tee.

Love love love this movie! I have to say though, that my favorite is still Pretty In Pink. I am definitely the gal that thrifts all her clothes and makes them over. My Sr. Prom dress was from the Goodwill and I loved it!

Pretty in Pink! I love how Molly’s and Duckie’s outfits were the most expensive.. and the popular girls’ outfits came from K-Mart! I would love to see ModCloth do an inspiration board from this movie… 😉

I loved skorts in the 80’s but I was just a little ‘un then. My favorite things were my LA Gear high tops with like 3 or 4 sets of laces and my tiered acid wash skirt. Also Jake Ryan was far dreamier than Blaine ever was because Blaine let his “friends” control him.

Yes, I so agree Jake Ryan and his car and his mysterious demeanor. Hot, hot, hot. That last scene in 16 Candles when he ga Samantha her birthday cake and asked her to make a wish was so touching…. “It already came true.”

I Third the Breakfast Club haha. I’m a mash up of most of the characters. I recently cut my hair shorter but I did used to have it looking like Molly’s. I wish I could’ve been in the movie that’s how much I loved it. Plus I’ve always been an outcast and a rebel!

In fact I need die hard fans to watch the movie with me, ’cause if you haven’t seen it a gazillion times you’ll probably get frustrated when I quote every single line.

Breakfast Club all the way! I wanted to be Molly, and totally related to the whole outcast part of high school. I even chopped my long blonde hair off and died it red once in my teen years. While the short cut never lasted, I still love being a red head from time to time.